7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138 • (901) 682-9222 • Open Weekdays 8:00 - 5:00
PREGNANCY TIMELINE: WEEK 26
You're at week 26 and almost through with the second trimester. As you move toward the final trimester and final weeks of pregnancy make sure you eat nutritious meals and maintain your exercise routine. Consult our pregnancy timeline to stay abreast of all the changes to come.
Week Overview:
To a certain extent baby can now breathe swallow, and regulate its own body temperature, but he still depends greatly on maternal support. Around this time is when the subcutaneous fat forms under the skin, smoothing out many of the wrinkles. The lungs are beginning to make surfactant, which keep the lung tissues from sticking to each other and help protect against infection once baby is born.
Baby's Physical Development
- Crown-to-rump, baby measures 9.2 inches long and weighs almost 2 pounds
- Optic nerves are developing
- Scalp hair is developed
Your uterus is about 2.5 inches above your uterus. During this second half of pregnancy, you will grow about 0.4 inches per week. Weight gain should be between 16 to 22 pounds.
You are getting bigger as the baby grows rapidly in your uterus. Because of the extra weight, backaches and leg cramps are becoming more common. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins in your pelvis, which may cause you to develop a mild degree of swelling in your lower legs and ankles. Even if you don't have any swelling, it is a good idea to take a few minutes every couple of hours to elevate your feet above your heart and relax on your left side.
The normal vagina secretes a small amount of fluid that is rarely noticeable. During pregnancy the vaginal cells are changing and discharge increases. There is also some seepage of fluid through the cervix. There is nothing you can do to stop this discharge. If it is excessive, bloody, watery, has a bad odor or causes itching, report it to your physician before your next visit. Keep the area clean by frequent washing.
You may also experience a thin, yellowish, sticky breast discharge called colostrums throughout your pregnancy. This "pre-milk" is rich in antibodies that help keep your baby safe from disease, and it is the first food your baby will ingest (if you are breastfeeding). It's not until three or four days after delivery that milk comes in.
Time to Start Thinking About
Now is the perfect time to start checking into finding the right pediatrician for your baby. It's a good idea to get recommendations from friends or relatives and to interview one or two doctors. Make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor. Your relationship with your pediatrician is key to your baby's health.
Tips for Mom
Pelvic rocking is a great exercise to relax the back, strengthen the pelvis for labor, and reduce stress. To rock your pelvis, stand against the wall with your knees slightly bent and, as you inhale, gently press the small of your back against the wall. Exhale and release. Repeat 10 times.
Tips for Dad
While Mom is resting, help her out by doing an extra chore around the house.
Complications to Watch For
Most pregnancies occur without any complications or problems. But there are times when your physician should be contacted immediately. The following list contains symptoms to be aware of during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Severe swelling of the fingers and face
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of fluid from the vagina, usually a gush of fluid, but sometimes a trickle or continual wetness
- A big change in the baby's movements or a lack of movement
- High fever (more than 101.6F;38.7C) or chills
- Severe vomiting or an inability to keep food or liquid down
- Blurring of vision
- Painful urination
- A headache that won't go away or a severe headache
- An injury or accident, such as a fall or automobile accident, that causes you concern about the well-being of your pregnancy
Prenatal Care Checklist
- Lying on your left side with a firm pillow under your head will usually be the most comfortable position for sleeping. This position brings more oxygen to the baby and eases the load on your kidneys.
- Try a body pillow.
- Bath water should not exceed 100 degrees F. Saunas and hot tubs are off limits.
- Do not douche or use tampons. Take a warm bath or use pads instead.
- You should not be changing the kitty litter because harmful parasites may be present.
- Travel is okay as long as you don't travel far from home during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your doctor first if a travel emergency arises.
- Seatbelts will not harm your fetus.
- Use both shoulder and lap belts and make sure to place the lap belt under your belly, across the hips and thighs.
- Avoid contact with any harmful chemicals or fumes.
7800 Wolf Trail Cove, Germantown, TN 38138
Phone: (901) 682-9222; Fax: (901) 682-9505